Carbon Emissions From The Moon Might Rewrite Theories On Its Formation

Researchers have analyzed the Moon’s carbon emissions better to understand the formation process of our natural satellite. A study was conducted by a team of astronomers from Osaka University in Japan, using the Kaguya lunar orbiter. Soichiro Yokota and its researchers’ team have analyzed the data collected by the rover. Consequently, they have discovered that the natural satellite emits carbon ions all across its surface.

In addition to this, data shows that there is no basic pattern to determine the emissions since the basaltic plains are responsible for a higher percentage of carbon ions than the lunar mountains. Yokota has declared that the carbon emissions are closely linked to the age of the area. For example, plains are younger, and this is why they emit more carbon, being exposed to the external environment for a shorter period.

The Moon presents carbon emissions, which might shed more light on its formation

Secondly, the researchers decided to analyze the Moon’s carbon emissions and compare them with the solar wind and the collisions with outer space objects. They soon realized that these data did not coincide, leading them to believe that its carbon supply powers the natural satellite.

The astronomers used to believe that the compounds found in the lunar surface do not contain an essential quantity of volatile compounds. However, it has been proven that this substance is highly present on the Moon, being obtained either when the satellite was formed, or throughout its life.

This discovery has suggested that during its formation, the Moon did not face such impressive temperatures, which were caused by the impact between our planet and Mars, causing the volatile substances to disappear. Instead, this analysis offers researchers new insight into the formation and evolution of our natural satellite and claims for further consideration for the previously mentioned theories. The findings can be found in the Science Advances journal.